Groundnut (Panax trifolius, Sp. Pl.: 1059 (1753))

Family: Araliaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1059 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Panax

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Groundnut, scientifically known as Panax trifolius, is a fascinating plant species belonging to the Araliaceae family. This plant was first described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” on page 1059, published in 1753. Groundnut holds a special place in the botanical world, not just because of its distinctive characteristics but also due to its broad geographic distribution across Eastern Canada to North Carolina, as well as Eastern parts of the United States of America.

Characterized by its trifoliate leaves, Groundnut is easily recognizable in the wild. The plant displays three leaflets extending from a single point, much like the layout of a clover. The leaves’ vibrant green color is a prominent feature throughout the growing season, adding a touch of lush greenery to its native habitats.

Groundnut typically thrives in various environments, from forested areas to open meadows, demonstrating its adaptability and resilience. This versatility in habitat partly explains its wide-ranging presence in parts of North America. The plant’s ecological role cannot be understated, as it contributes to the local biodiversity by providing a source of food and habitat to numerous insects and small animals.

In terms of morphology, Groundnut flowers are small yet intricate, exhibiting a delicate structure that captures the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts. These flowers can lead to the formation of small fruits, which further aid in identifying the species and contribute to its reproduction and spread in suitable conditions.

Overall, Groundnut or Panax trifolius, with its rich history and notable presence across a significant part of North America, serves as an excellent focus of study for those interested in botany and the dynamic interactions within plant communities.

Common Names

Eng: dwarf ginseng, groundnut
Deu: dreiblättriger ginseng
Fra: ginseng à trois folioles, panace à trois folioles, petit ginseng
En: Groundnut, Dwarf ginseng
Ar: جنسنغ ثلاثي الأوراق
Az: Üçyarpaq jenşen
Fr: Ginseng à trois folioles, Panace à trois folioles, Petit ginseng
De: Dreiblättriger Ginseng
Fa: جینسنگ کوتوله

Synonyms

• Panax lanceolatus (Raf.)
• Panax pusillus (Sims)
• Ginseng trifolium ((L.) Alph.Wood)
• Nanopanax trifolius ((L.) A.Haines)
• Aralia triphylla (Poir.)
• Panax trifolius var. roseus (N.Coleman)

Distribution

• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 8, 2022 by Hyla Skudder (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2022 by Hyla Skudder (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2021 by Matthew Dyer (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2020 by gail page (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2015 by Eduard Jendek (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 26, 2013 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 5, 2013 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 7, 2014 by EOL − Erika Mitchell (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 7, 2014 by EOL − Erika Mitchell (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 8, 2022 by Hyla Skudder (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 19, 2022 by Nathali Ruel (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2022 by Molly Williams (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2020 by shari zabriskie (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2022 by Hyla Skudder (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2021 by Matthew Dyer (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5372277)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:281988-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Panax trifolius L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth